How to install beam to concrete pillar?

[edwinmcc75]

Hi 

I am a DIYer, new to this forum.  

I want to install an LVL Beam into my house Alfresco Pillar.  I have attached the image that shows an LVL beam running across pillars in an Alfresco (LVL-Beam-Alfresco-Brick-Pillar).  I have shown 3 black arrows, where the beam is anchored into the brick wall.  Can you please give me some advice on the TECHNIQUE and TOOLS to do it.  I have 3 questions 

1.  I am interested, whether I should use an angle grinder to cut a slot into the existing brick wall so that the LVL Beam can slide into the slot - I don't know how to anchor it into the wall, that is the next question. 

2. By tools - I am interested to know the screws / any tools from Bunnings that can be used to fasten the LVL beam into the brick wall . . 

3. I can also see a small linear strip (approx 2cm in width) that run along the perimeter of the LVL beam close to the wall - what is its name and where can I buy it .. - any Bunnings product code suggestion is welcome.

Thank you 

Edwin.

[JacobZ]

Hi @edwinmcc75,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community and thank you for your question.

This sounds like a fairly involved project that is outside of what I'd recommend as a D.I.Y. project. It is something you will likely need to consult a builder and engineer for assistance with. 

This is because the brick piers, if yours are the same as your inspiration photo, are supporting the weight of the roof. Any alteration to the brick piers will alter the support to your roof outside of what they were initially designed for. It may not be an issue, but it is something you should confirm with a suitably licenced person before proceeding.

If you can provide some more details on what you are trying to achieve, with photos of your own home, I may be able to assist, but unfortunately, I can't offer advice about making considerable changes to the structural elements of your home.

If deemed suitable, brick can be cut with a demolition saw, or an angle grinder or broken and removed with a rotary hammer drill or breaker.

There are different methods of anchoring beams to brick piers. The specific circumstances of the installation will likely dictate what is used.  Oftentimes threaded rods and chemset are used to anchor beams to piers.

The small strips are likely just LOSP timber beading to cover the gaps between the beam and the piers.

Let me know what you think and if you have any further details or photos of your specific circumstance, please upload them and I will attempt to assist further.

Jacob